NZS 4541 provides an integrated set of rules for the design, installation, and maintenance of sprinkler systems, so that systems reliably protect against the loss of life and minimise property damage from fire by controlling the fire: within a specified area, and to allow escape before levels of toxic by-products of combustion become life-threatening.
This standard is used extensively across the fire protection industry.
Scope
The revised standard addresses the following areas:
Fire protection of tall (>25 meters) and large (>11,000 square meters) buildings,
Seismic restraint of pipework to align with NZS 1170.5 Structural design actions; Part 5 Earthquake actions - New Zealand,
Inclusion of new technologies for car stackers and in-rack sprinkler systems for warehouses,
editing of the standard and inclusion of the errata collected since the last revision in 2013.
NZS 4541:2020 is cited by Acceptable Solution C/AS1: Protection from fire for buildings with sleeping (residential) and outbuildings (risk group SH) from 2/11/2023
NZS 4541:2020 is cited by NZS 4512:2021 Fire detection and alarm systems in buildings -SPONSORED
NZS 4541:2020 Automatic fire sprinkler systems
Description
NZS 4541 provides an integrated set of rules for the design, installation, and maintenance of sprinkler systems, so that systems reliably protect against the loss of life and minimise property damage from fire by controlling the fire: within a specified area, and to allow escape before levels of toxic by-products of combustion become life-threatening.
This standard is used extensively across the fire protection industry.
NZS 4541 provides an integrated set of rules for the design, installation, and maintenance of sprinkler systems, so that systems reliably protect against the loss of life and minimise property damage from fire by controlling the fire: within a specified area, and to allow escape before levels of toxic by-products of combustion become life-threatening.
This standard is used extensively across the fire protection industry.
NZS 4541:2020 cites AS/NZS 2642.3:2008 Polybutylene pipe systems - Mechanical jointing fittings for use with polybutylene (PB) pipes for hot and cold water applications
NZS 4541:2020 cites AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17021.1:2015 Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems - Part 1: Requirements
NZS 4541:2020 cites ASTM A795/A795M-13 Standard Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Protection Use
NZS 4541:2020 cites BS 3600:1997 Specification for dimensions and masses per unit length of welded and seamless steel pipes and tubes for pressure purposes
NZS 4541:2020 cites BS 5514-1:1996 Reciprocating internal combustion engines. Performance. Part 1: Standard reference conditions, declarations of power, fuel and lubricating oil consumptions and test methods
NZS 4541:2020 cites ISO 9705-1:2016 Reaction to fire tests — Room corner test for wall and ceiling lining products — Part 1: Test method for a small room configuration
NZS 4541:2020 cites LPCB LPS 1181.1:2014 Series of fire growth tests for LPCB approval and listing of construction product systems. Part one: Requirements and tests for built up cladding and sandwich panel systems for use as the external envelope of buildings.
NZS 4541:2020 cites LPCB LPS 1181.2:2014 Series of fire growth tests for LPCB approval and listing of construction product systems. Part 2: Requirements and tests for sandwich panels and built up systems for use as internal constructions in buildings
801 Design Criteria, Pipe Sizing, And Water Supplies
802 Sprinkler Type And Spacing
Part 9 – Extra High Hazard System Design Data
901 Scope
902 Extra High Hazard Class Terminology
903 General System Design Requirements
904 General Hydraulic Design Requirements
905 Categorised Commodities Design Requirements
906 Rubber Tyre Storage
907 Roll Paper, Waste Paper, Baled Fibres Storage
908 Hanging Garments Storage
909 Carpet Storage
910 Aerosols Storage
911 Distilled Spirits Storage
Part 10 – Fully Hydraulically Calculated Design
1001 General
1002 Design Requirements
1003 Determination Of Area Of Operation
1004 Determination Of Design Flow And Pressure
1005 Method Of Calculation
1006 Documentation
Part 11 – Precautions To Be Taken When An Installation Is Rendered Inoperative
1101 General
1102 Notification
1103 Authorisation
1104 Hot Work
1105 Sectional Valves
1106 Blanking Pieces
1107 Water Supplies
Part 12 – Routine Testing, Maintenance, And Inspections
1201 General
1202 Routine Tests And Maintenance
1203 Routine Inspections
1204 Twelve-Yearly Inspections
1205 Testing Of Sprinklers
1206 Water Supply Strainers
1207 Testing Of Antifreeze Solutions
Appendices
Appendix A – Testing Of Dry Pipe And Pre-Action Systems – Example Form
Appendix B – Alternative Method Of Protection Of Certain Small Community Buildings For Which A Sprinkler System Is Not A Legal Requirement
Appendix C – Evaluation Of Contractors By A Sprinkler System Certifier (Ssc)
Appendix D – Certificate Of Listing Of Contractor
Appendix E – Sprinkler System
Appendix F – Guidelines For Evaluation Of Equipment For Listing By A Sprinkler System Certifier (Ssc)
Appendix G – Retrospective Upgrades
Appendix H – Sprinkler System Storage Declaration
Appendix J – Material Classifications
Appendix K – Sprinkler Protection Design Requirements For Buildings Constructed With Foamed Plastic Cored Insulated Panels
Appendix L – Recommendations For Frost Protection Measures For Fire Sprinkler Systems
Appendix M – Water Mist Fire Protection
Appendix N – Contractor’s Material And Flushing Test Certificate For Underground Piping
Appendix O – Orifice Plates
Appendix P – Aerosol Warning Signs
Appendix Q – Z Values And Shortest Major Fault Distances D For New Zealand
Appendix R – Testing Of Territorial Authority Water Mains
Appendix S – Embankment Supported Membrane Pillow Tanks
Appendix T – Information To Be Provided When Ordering A Pump Unit (See 607.1.3)
Appendix U – Aerosols – Supplementary Design Considerations
Appendix V – Maintenance Provisions For Non-Standard Sprinkler Systems
Appendix W – Guidance On The Testing Of Sprinklers
Appendix X – Frost Protection – Electrical Requirements
Tables
Table 2.1 – Representative Schedule Of Occupancies
Table 2.2(A) – Limits On Storage Of Conventional Commodities In Ordinary Hazard 3 Occupancies
Table 2.2(B) – Limits On Incidental Storage In Ordinary Hazard 1 And 2 Occupancies
Table 2.2(C) – Limits On Incidental Storage Of Special Commodities In Ordinary Hazard Group 3 Occupancies
Table 2.3 – Comparison Of Classification Of Flammable Liquids Designations As Specified In Nfpa 30 And Hazardous Substances (Classification) Regulations
Table 2.4 – Classification Of External Fire Loads
Table 2.5 – Minimum Separation Distances
Table 2.6 – Block Plan Sprinkler Information
Table 2.7 – Typical Reference Pressure Schedule
Table 2.8 – Design Data For Protection Of Expanded Plastic Cored Panels
Table 3.1 – Properties Of Antifreeze Solutions
Table 3.2 – Gas Filled Water Delivery Calculation Design Requirements
Table 4.1 – Acceptable Types Of Sprinklers
Table 4.2 – Pipe And Jointing Options For Underground Pipework
Table 4.3 – Pipe And Jointing Options For Above-Ground Pipework
Table 4.4 – Suitable Supports
Table 4.5 – Weight Calculations
Table 4.6 – Allowable Horizontal Loads Of Typical Pipework Braces
Table 4.7 – Horizontal Load Capacity Of Typical Connections
Table 5.1 – Spacing Arrangements – Standard And Staggered For Spray Sprinklers
Table 5.2 – Sprinkler Distances From Obstructions
Table 5.3 – Maximum Distance Of Residential Sprinklers Above Bottom Of Ceiling Obstruction (Where Not Specified By Manufacturer)
Table 5.4 – Obstructions To Standard Sidewall Sprinkler Discharge
Table 5.5 – Extended Coverage And Extra Light Hazard Spray Sprinkler Distances From Suspended Or Floor Mounted Obstructions
Table 5.6 – Protection Required For Sprinklers Provided Below Perforated Ceilings And Decks
Table 5.7 – External Sprinkler Spacing And Location
Table 5.8 – Ecoh And Eclh Sprinkler Distances From Ceiling Mounted Obstructions
Table 6.1 – Duration Of Water Supplies For Ehh Occupancies
Table 6.2 – Duration Of Water Supplies For Process Occupancies And Special Commodities
Table 6.3 – Nominal Fuel Duration
Table 6.4 – Number Of Inlets
Table 7.1 – Minimum Pipe Sizes For Precalculated Extra Light Hazard Sprinkler Arrays
Table 8.1 – Design Criteria For Categories 1 To 4: Ordinary Hazard Storage Height Up To And Including 3.7 M
Table 8.2 – Design Criteria For Categories 5 And 6: Ordinary Hazard Storage Height Up To And Including 3.7 M
Table 9.1 – Design Density And Design Area For Process Occupancies
Table 9.2 – Maximum Area Coverage Per Roof/Ceiling Sprinkler
Table 9.3 – Storage Sprinklers Under Sloped Ceilings
Table 9.4 – Spacing Of Ceiling Level Storage Sprinklers
Table 9.5 – Minimum Horizontal Distance Of Ceiling Objects To Avoid Obstructing Umbrella Patterns Of Storage Sprinklers (Not Extended Coverage)
Table 9.6 – Minimum Horizontal Distance Of Ceiling Objects To Avoid Obstructing Umbrella Patterns Of Extended Coverage Storage Sprinklers
Table 9.7 – Installation Guidelines To Avoid Obstructions To Inner Core Distribution Pattern Of Storage Sprinklers
Table 9.8 – Hydraulic Design For In-Rack Sprinkler Systems
Table 9.9 – Hydraulic Design For Ceiling-Level Sprinkler Systems Supplemented With In-Rack Sprinklers
Table 9.10 – Summary Of Ceiling-Level Protection Tables
Table 9.11(A) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Category 1, 2, And 3 Commodities In A Solid-Piled, Palletised, Shelf, Or Bin box Storage Arrangement
Table 9.11(B) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Category 4 And Category 5 Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic Commodities In A Solid-Piled, Palletised, Shelf, Or Bin box Storage Arrangement
Table 9.11(C) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Cartoned Category 6 Expanded Plastic Commodities In A Solid-Piled, Palletised, Shelf, Or Bin box Storage Arrangement
Table 9.11(D) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Uncartoned Category 5 Unexpanded Plastic Commodities In A Solid-Piled, Palletised, Shelf, Or Bin box Storage Arrangement
Table 9.11(E) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Uncartoned Category 6 Expanded Plastic Commodities In A Solid-Piled, Palletised, Shelf, Or Bin box Storage Arrangement
Table 9.11(F) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Category 1, 2, And 3 Commodities In Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements
Table 9.11(G) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Category 4 And Cartoned Category 5 Unexpanded Plastic Commodities In Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements
Table 9.11(H) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Cartoned Category 6 Expanded Plastic Commodities In Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements
Table 9.11(I) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Uncartoned Category 5 Unexpanded Plastic Commodities In Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements
Table 9.11(J) – Ceiling-Level Protection Guidelines For Uncartoned Category 6 Expanded Plastic Commodities In Open-Frame Rack Storage Arrangements
Table 9.12(A) – On-Side Storage In Permanent Tyre Racks Or Partially Loaded Portable Tyre Racks, Without Solid Shelves
Table 9.12(B) – On-Tread Storage In Permanent Tyre Racks Or Portable Tyre Racks, Without Solid Shelves
Table 9.12(C) – On Floor Or On-Side Storage In Fully Loaded Portable Tyre Racks
Table 9.13 – Control Mode Specific Application Criteria For On-Side And On-Tread Rubber Tyres
Table 9.14 – Suppression Mode Sprinklers For Rubber Tyre Storage
Table 9.15 – Control Mode Specific Application Sprinklers For Lightweight Roll Paper Storage
Table 9.16(A) – Control Mode Specific Application Criteria For Medium Weight Paper (Number Of Sprinklers At Pressure In Kpa)
Table 9.16(B) – Protection Of Medium weight Paper With Suppression Mode Sprinklers (Number Of Sprinklers At Pressure In Kpa)
Table 9.17(A) – Control Mode Specific Application Criteria For Heavyweight Paper (Number Of Sprinklers At Pressure In Kpa)
Table 9.17(B) – Protection Of Heavyweight Roll Paper With Suppression Mode Sprinklers (Number Of Sprinklers At Pressure In Kpa)
Table 9.18 – Solid Pile Storage Of Waste Paper And Baled Fibres (Natural And Synthetic)
Table 9.19 – Protection For Hanging Garment Storage On Stationary Pipe Racks (See 908.3 For Alternative Option For Storage Up To 4.6 M In Height)
Figure 4.3 – Examples Of Load Distribution To Pipework Bracing
Figure 4.4 – Pipework Bracing Details
Figure 4.5 – Configuration Of Air Supply For Dry Pipe Systems In Refrigerated Areas
Figure 4.6 – Enhanced Safety Valve Set Arrangement
Figure 4.7 – Wet Pipe Control Valve Showing An Acceptable Arrangement For Type ‘X’ Signalling Complying With 407.2.2.1
Figure 4.8 – Wet Pipe Control Valve Showing An Acceptable Arrangement For Type ‘Y’ Signalling Complying With 407.2.2.2
Figure 4.9 – Typical Dry Pipe Control Valve Arrangement
Figure 4.10(A) – Arrangement For Single Sprinkler System
Figure 4.10(B) – Arrangement For Multiple Sprinkler Systems
Figure 4.11 – Storage Height Limitation Sign
Figure 5.1 – Example Of Application Of 502.4
Figure 5.2 – Positioning Of Sprinkler Heads
Figure 5.3 – Spacing Arrangements – Standard And Staggered
Figure 5.4 – Sprinkler Distances From Obstructions
Figure 5.5 – Position Of Residential Sprinkler Deflector When Located Above The Bottom of A Ceiling Obstruction
Figure 5.6 – Installation Of Horizontal Sidewall Sprinklers Using Soffits
Figure 5.7 – Sprinkler Positions For Machines In Tiers
Figure 5.8 – Location Of Sprinklers In Extraction Ducts
Figure 5.9 – Position Of Sprinkler Head To Avoid Suspended Or Floor Mounted Obstruction To sprinkler Discharge (Extended Coverage Or Extra Light Hazard Spray Sprinklers)
Figure 5.10 – Additional Sprinklers Installed Below Flat, Continuous, Solid Obstructions Between0.8 M And 3.0 M Wide
Figure 5.11 – Additional Sprinklers Installed Below Non-Flat, Non-Continuous, Or Non-Solid obstructions Between 0.8 M And 3.0 M Wide With Flat, Continuous, Solid Barrier Provided
Figure 5.12 – Additional Sprinklers Installed Below Non-Flat, Non-Continuous, Or Non-Solid obstructions Between 1.2 M And 3.0 M Wide Without A Flat, Continuous, Solid Barrier Provided
Figure 5.13 – Position Of Sprinkler Head To Avoid Obstruction To Sprinkler Discharge (Extended coverage Upright And Pendent Spray Sprinklers)
Figure 5.14 – Minimum Distance From Obstruction (Extended Coverage Upright And Pendent spray Sprinklers)
Figure 6.1 – Water Supply Classes – Typical Diagrammatic Layouts
Figure 6.2 – Diagrammatic Key To Water Supply Requirements
Figure 6.3 – Pressure Sustaining Valve
Figure 6.4 – Permissible Supply To Hydrants From Town’s Main Sprinkler Connections –Diagrammatic Layout (Class C1 Supply)
Figure 6.5 – Illustrative Example Of Hydrant Allowance
Figure 6.6 – Typical Arrangement For Boosted Town’s Main Without Pressure Relief Line
Figure 6.7 – Typical Arrangement For Boosted Town’s Main With Pressure Relief Line
Figure 6.8 – Typical Arrangement For Boosted Town’s Main With Pressure Reducing Valve system
Figure 6.8 – Typical Arrangement For Boosted Town’s Main With Pressure Reducing Valve system
Figure 6.9 – Typical Arrangement For Supplemented Town’s Man (Using In-Fill Tank)
Figure 6.10 – Typical Arrangement For Pump And Tank Supply
Figure 6.10 – Typical Arrangement For Pump And Tank Supply
Figure 6.11 – Pump Suction Waterway Fittings
Figure 6.12 – Diesel Engine Water Cooling Unit
Figure 6.13 – Diesel Engine Controller Logic Unit
Figure 6.14 – Fsi Standard Requirements
Figure 6.15 – Details Of Box Lock
Figure 6.16 – Fire Service Inlet Arrangement For Multiple Valve Sets
Figure 9.14(C) – Rack Storage – Drive-In Rack, Two Or More Pallets Deep –Forklift Truck Drives Into Rack To Deposit Or Withdraw Loads In The Depth Of The Rack
Figure 9.14(D) – Rack Storage – Cantilever Rack
Figure 9.15 – Portable Rack Using Wood Pallet Base And Steel Frame
Figure 9.16 – Examples Of Adjacent Areas With Differing Design Criteria
Figure 9.17 – Maximum Increase In Linear And Area Spacing To Avoid Obstructing Sprinkler discharge
Figure 9.18 – Quick Response Sprinklers Installed Under Automatic Smoke And Heat Vents
Figure 9.20 – Minimum Horizontal Distance Of Ceiling Objects To Avoid Obstructing Umbrella patterns Of Storage Sprinklers (Not Extended Coverage)
Figure 9.21 – Minimum Horizontal Distance Of Ceiling Objects To Avoid Obstructing Umbrella patterns Of Extended Coverage Storage Sprinklers
Figure 9.22 – Obstruction To Inner Core Discharge Pattern Of Ceiling-Level Storage Sprinklers
Figure 9.23 – Obstruction Area To Inner Core Discharge Pattern Of Pendent Storage Sprinklers for Objects Up To 20 Mm Wide
Figure 9.24 – Obstruction Area To Inner Core Discharge Pattern Of Pendent Storage Sprinklers for Objects Over 20 Mm And Up To 32 Mm Wide
Figure 9.25 – Obstruction Area To Inner Core Discharge Pattern Of Pendent Storage Sprinklers for Objects Over 32 Mm And Up To 50 Mm Wide
Figure 9.26 – Obstruction Area To Inner Core Discharge Pattern Of Pendent Storage Sprinklers for Objects Over 50 Mm And Up To 300 Mm Wide
Figure 9.27 – Obstruction Area To Inner Core Discharge Pattern Of Pendent Storage Sprinklers for Objects Over 300 Mm And Up To 600 Mm Wide
Figure 9.28 – Additional Sprinklers Installed Below Flat, Continuous Solid Obstructions From over 0.6 M Wide To 3.0 Wide
Figure 9.29 – Additional Sprinkler Installed Below Non-Flat, Non-Continuous, Or Non-Solid obstructions More Than 0.6 M Wide Up To 3.0 M Wide
Figure 9.30 – Additional Sprinkler Installed Below Non-Flat, Non-Continuous, Or Non-Solid obstructions Over 0.6 M And Up To 3.0 M Wide Without A Flat, Continuous, Solid Barrier Provided
Figure 9.31 – Additional Sprinklers Installed Within Storage Racks To Account For Obstructions to The Inner Core Distribution Pattern Of A Sprinkler
Figure 9.32(A) – Plan View Of Irs(Eo) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement For Single-Row Racks
Figure 9.32(B) – Plan View Of Irs(Eo) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement For Double-Row Racks
Figure 9.32(C) – Plan View Of Irs(Eo) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement For Multiple-Row Racks
Figure 9.33(A) – Plan View Of Irs(E) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement For Single-Row Racks
Figure 9.33(B) – Plan View Of Irs(E) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement In Longitude Flue Only double-Row Racks
Figure 9.33(C) – Plan View Of Irs(E) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement For Double-Row Racks
Figure 9.33(D) – Plan View Of Irs(E) In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement For Multiple-Row Racks
Figure 9.34(A) – Fire Protection Scheme A Within Single-Row Racks
Figure 9.34(B) – Fire Protection Scheme A Within Double-Row Racks
Figure 9.34(C) – Fire Protection Scheme A Within Multiple-Row Racks
Figure 9.35(A) – On-Side, Double Row Rack, With Barriers– Irs Horizontal And Vertical Spacing
Figure 9.35(B) – On-Side, Double Row Rack, Without Barriers– Irs Horizontal And Vertical Spacing
Figure 10.1 – Determination Of Mean Area Per Sprinkler
Figure 10.2 – Location And Shape Of Hydraulically ‘Most Remote’ Area Of Operation
Figure 11.1 – Typical Form For Notifying That An Installation Is To Be Rendered Inoperative
Figure 11.2 – Typical Form For Isolation Tag Card
Figure 12.1 – Density Of Propylene Glycol In Solution
Figure 12.2 – Specific Gravity Of Glycerine In Solution (% By Volume)
Figure B1 – Option For Arrangement Of Control Valves
Figure E1 – Compliance Flowchart For New Systems
Figure E2 – Compliance Flowchart For Biennial Inspections
Figure E3 – Compliance Flowchart For Extensions Or Alterations To Existing Systems
Figure E4 – Compliance Flowchart For Systems Installed To Other Standards
Figure H1 – Declaration Of Storage Intentions
Figure P1 – Example Of A Graphic Symbol To Accompany Warning Signs Prohibiting the Storage Of Aerosols
Figure R1 – Water Supply Flow Graph
Figure S1 – Typical Details Of Embankment Supported Membrane Pillow Tank
Figure U1 – Aerosol Classification
Figure U2(A) – Arrangement Of Barriers Around Dedicated Level 2 Storage Areas. Examples Of storage Areas Defined By Building Walls And Barriers In Racks Near Walls
Figure U2(B) – Arrangement Of Barriers Around Dedicated Level 2 Storage Areas. Examples Of storage Area Defined By Barriers Of Fences Away From Walls (Method 1 And 2)
Figure U2(C) – Provisions For Additional In-Rack Sprinklers Around Dedicated Level 2 Aerosol storage Area